Let the birthday celebrations begin for Firstdraft! The Sydney space was founded in 1986 by Roger Crawford, Tess Horwitz, Narelle Jubelin and Paul Saint during a time when venues for artists making non-commercial or experimental works were few and far between. The group set up in a warehouse on Abercrombie Street, Chippendale with a two-year mission to provide a professional environment for artists to exhibit contemporary art – “a core aim that remains true today”, says Anna McMahon, one of the current directors.
Firstdraft is an important model says McMahon, it “allows us to provide an environment within which artists can present new work and ideas. For emerging artists who might have their first show with us, it’s an opportunity to be highlighted within one of Australia’s longest-running ARIs. For slightly more established artists, it can be an important opportunity to try something new.”
Firstdraft Depot, now in Woolloomoolloo includes four purpose-built galleries, two studios, a creative office space, and a dedicated area for performance. Applications for non-traditional art forms in performance, installation, technology-based works, and curated exhibitions are invited from emerging artists, curators and writers.
On 2 December from 6-10pm an exhibition will mark the ongoing legacy of Firstdraft. ‘1986’ will include artists – Akil Ahamat, Penelope Benton + Alexandra Clapham, Linda Brescia, Hannah Bronte, Sarah Goffman, Amala Groom, The Kingpins, Andrew McLellan, Claudia Nicholson, Nat Randall, Sezzo Snot, Simo Soo, Shahmen Suku, Salote Tawale and Kimch Princi.
We congratulate Firstdraft as it continues to be a space for growth and learning which encourages and supports emerging and experimental art practices.
Firstdraft
2 December, 2016
Sydney
110% (Kieran Bryant, Beth Dillon and Lachlan Herd), a summit wouldn’t do without you (dreaming the dream), 2016
Firstdraft July 2016. Photograph: Zan Wimberley
OUROBOROS, 2015, curated by Justin Shoulder for Firstdraft Live. Photograph: document photography
